If you're regulars in a specific bars, sometimes one person can take both cards up to get 2 drinks. It also worked when I went for morning coffees. Cafe Promenade staff called me by name on day 2.
According to my ticket, I got my money's worth. I would drink fresh smoothies after each morning exercise and take a bottled juice to my room. Then i would have fresh squeezed orange juice for breakfast. Then milk shakes from Johnny Rocket's. Then alcoholic drinks during the day plus bottled water. Wine at dinner. Soda with my pizza. And alcoholic drinks at night at the shows, concert or club. But you are right, it made me drink a whole lot more than I normally would at home. I only drink one or two alcoholic drinks a month at the most at home. Needless to say, I gained weight and had a upset stomach. It was way too much sugar but lot's of fun and very convenient.
Your usage is also how I have approached purchasing the package for my first cruise. The other thing in the back of my mind is how quickly drinks seem to be increasing in price lately. There is no way of knowing what the prices will be before you order your first drink.
Helpful info! We're going on Oasis of the Seas for 7 days. We decided that for the price of over $1200 for 2 people with gratuity included, it was just too costly and we didn't want to feel pressured to drink an excessive amount of alcohol, especially because we will have 4 port days. Thanks for the tips!
i feel like i would get my money’s worth just from the coffee and water alone lol! i would also feel pressured to make sure i’m getting my money’s worth too, so i totally get that!
And, it's not just alcohol. That's what people misunderstand. Fresh squeezed orange juice, smoothies from the spa, Powerade, Red Bull, Milkshakes from Johnny Rockets, special blend coffees are included in that
One thing to keep in mind: if one person in your room buys the full drink package (i.e., including alcohol), then the other adult (if any) in the room has to buy that package as well (otherwise, people would buy just one drink package and share it). I rarely drink alcohol, so my wife and I decided to get the soda packages and then buy any alcoholic drinks along the way. Worked out well for us.
Thanks for the input. This rule is understandable, but hard for couples like us where one drinks and the other doesn't. We will likely go without drink package next time.
I think there is more to consider than just alcohol when you think about getting your monies worth with the deluxe package. Bottled waters, soda, and specialty coffee definitely add up too. With the amount of Coke zero and water I drink, my morning specilaty coffee, and just 2-3 alcoholic drinks a day, it more than pays for itself for me.
I’m curious about the quality of the wines included in the premium drink package. We have a nice wine collection at home and are concerned we won’t like the wines offered in the package.
For us, we like taking the 3 night cococay cruise. The drink package was $450 for both of use. We exceed that amount by ALOT at the end of the cruise. Which also includes all drinks not just alcohol. Super worth it and you don’t get the downer at the end of the trip of a huge bill. 😂
The cup only works at the machine. You can get soda at any bar or other venues in a regular glass. If you get the soda package, it is soda only. Other packages also include the other beverages you mentioned if they have them on the ship.
Going on my first ever cruise with my girlfriend and some coworkers in December of 2025. We're going on icon of the seas. Been back and forth between getting the deluxe drink package or not and after seeing this video and how much I plan to drink (between me and my girlfriend) probably around 7 or 8 per night when it comes to alcohol, im definitely getting this. We're going on a 7 night cruise
The drink package for my Wife and I was just about the same price as the Cruise, needless to say we passed. We don’t go on cruises to be in the bag every day.
We did our first cruise on Oasis of the Seas at the end of October. We purchased the drink package and I'm certain we came out money ahead although I did not bother to look at our itemized drinks. Thing is, we are on vacation and it was absolutely great to get whatever we wanted, alcoholic or not, whenever we wanted.....kind of what the vacation is all about!
If you call Royal, it is possible for one person to buy alcohol package, and if the other person doesn't drink, buy the refreshment package. If you figure out you can get your money's worth out of the refreshment package, subtract that from the prices of the deluxe package price. We got it at a price we only need to have 1.5 alcoholic drinks a day for break even.
The nominal price difference is why we went with the deluxe too. We got our Deluxe packages on a BOGO special. We knew we would definitely do the refreshment package either way, but with the special the price difference was only $30/day which is the cost of about 2 specialty alcoholic drinks a day so we thought it was worth it.
Many people talk about how many drinks are needed to get your money's worth, but I think this misses a key feature of the drink package decision. Sure, I would spend less without the package ---- but only because I would deprive myself. I would constantly stress over whether or not I wanted to spend the money --- each and every time I might possibly want a drink. By the end of the trip I would've spent less, but I also would've enjoyed myself less - with countless drinks not bought, and a handful reluctantly bought. I do enjoy drinking, and so I opt to spend the money up front - and know that I'm now free to drink whatever I want, whenever I want. For me it's not so much about breakeven points or getting my money's worth. It's about paying for the vacation I want to have.
If you drink 8+ drinks per day,(and it could be more once you get into it, I know for a fact) you will break even or come out on the plus side. Example, you pay $700pp for the package. Once the cruise is over and you keep track of how many drinks and the prices, you could easily rack up $900-$1000.
If i buy the package im trying to take advantage of it, that means 1) getting top shelf shots of liquor instead of watered down sugar drinks everytime, does anyoneknow if you can pour your shots into flasks? Like if i have the be the guy there funnelling shot after shot into a flask for use later i will, just curious if someone else has tried it. lol
Question, is there accessible tap water available through out the ship where you can bypass purchasing a drink package? I am not a big drinker and I rarely drink soda, I feel it would be a waste to purchase a package just for water. 🤪
There definitely is! I don’t recall seeing water fountains but there was filtered water available in the buffet. We always got a cup of water in the main dining room as well. I’m sure the bars can give you a glass of water if you asked. There’s a bottled water package that royal Caribbean offers too. Lots of options to make sure you stay hydrated 😊
Not worth it. I go with virgin cruises. Don’t drink alcohol and there was plenty of of free drinks to have. Didn’t spend a dime on anything. But I’m not sure who the prices compare with the different cruises.
These drink packages are a complete joke. I was looking at "Cheers" on Carnival, it's $2,158 plus an 18% gratuity for a couple on an 18 day cruise. This was also at an alleged 10% discount. Lol.
my gosh, you helped us a lot!!!! Thank you for shareing with numbers and sincerity
You are so welcome!
If you're regulars in a specific bars, sometimes one person can take both cards up to get 2 drinks. It also worked when I went for morning coffees. Cafe Promenade staff called me by name on day 2.
great video Jen. You answered all my questions. Thank you!!
So glad!
According to my ticket, I got my money's worth. I would drink fresh smoothies after each morning exercise and take a bottled juice to my room. Then i would have fresh squeezed orange juice for breakfast. Then milk shakes from Johnny Rocket's. Then alcoholic drinks during the day plus bottled water. Wine at dinner. Soda with my pizza. And alcoholic drinks at night at the shows, concert or club.
But you are right, it made me drink a whole lot more than I normally would at home. I only drink one or two alcoholic drinks a month at the most at home. Needless to say, I gained weight and had a upset stomach. It was way too much sugar but lot's of fun and very convenient.
You’re on vacation after all! Glad to hear you made good use of the package
Your usage is also how I have approached purchasing the package for my first cruise. The other thing in the back of my mind is how quickly drinks seem to be increasing in price lately. There is no way of knowing what the prices will be before you order your first drink.
This is very true. Everything seems to be going up in price all the time - and much quicker than I'd like!
@@philscott7949 Woo, prices are not the same in whole trip? Beer can costs $8 and two days later new price can be $9/$10?
Awesome video!! Please keep up the great work. Your fans need more content.
Thanks Richard 🥰
Helpful info! We're going on Oasis of the Seas for 7 days. We decided that for the price of over $1200 for 2 people with gratuity included, it was just too costly and we didn't want to feel pressured to drink an excessive amount of alcohol, especially because we will have 4 port days. Thanks for the tips!
You’re welcome! I’m happy you found it helpful. Have a great time on your cruise 😊
I like to drink... but not everyday for 7 days... thanks for the info... I'll skip the deluxe unless it goes on sale
i feel like i would get my money’s worth just from the coffee and water alone lol! i would also feel pressured to make sure i’m getting my money’s worth too, so i totally get that!
Definitely! The coffee onboard was pretty decent too. Just sucks you can’t use the package for Starbucks
You could check out the refreshment package that includes everything but the alccohol.
And, it's not just alcohol. That's what people misunderstand. Fresh squeezed orange juice, smoothies from the spa, Powerade, Red Bull, Milkshakes from Johnny Rockets, special blend coffees are included in that
One thing to keep in mind: if one person in your room buys the full drink package (i.e., including alcohol), then the other adult (if any) in the room has to buy that package as well (otherwise, people would buy just one drink package and share it). I rarely drink alcohol, so my wife and I decided to get the soda packages and then buy any alcoholic drinks along the way. Worked out well for us.
Yes, I actually mentioned that in my video. I'm glad you found something that worked for you.
Thanks for the input. This rule is understandable, but hard for couples like us where one drinks and the other doesn't. We will likely go without drink package next time.
If you're willing to call Royal and plead your case, the non drinker can buy the refreshment package. Exceptions are not made for online purchases.
The other person can get the refreshments package
I think there is more to consider than just alcohol when you think about getting your monies worth with the deluxe package. Bottled waters, soda, and specialty coffee definitely add up too. With the amount of Coke zero and water I drink, my morning specilaty coffee, and just 2-3 alcoholic drinks a day, it more than pays for itself for me.
I’m curious about the quality of the wines included in the premium drink package. We have a nice wine collection at home and are concerned we won’t like the wines offered in the package.
For us, we like taking the 3 night cococay cruise. The drink package was $450 for both of use. We exceed that amount by ALOT at the end of the cruise. Which also includes all drinks not just alcohol. Super worth it and you don’t get the downer at the end of the trip of a huge bill. 😂
Great video, do they have bottled gatorade/powerade/vitamin water or is it only at the freestyle machine?
The cup only works at the machine. You can get soda at any bar or other venues in a regular glass. If you get the soda package, it is soda only. Other packages also include the other beverages you mentioned if they have them on the ship.
Going on my first ever cruise with my girlfriend and some coworkers in December of 2025. We're going on icon of the seas. Been back and forth between getting the deluxe drink package or not and after seeing this video and how much I plan to drink (between me and my girlfriend) probably around 7 or 8 per night when it comes to alcohol, im definitely getting this. We're going on a 7 night cruise
The drink package for my Wife and I was just about the same price as the Cruise, needless to say we passed. We don’t go on cruises to be in the bag every day.
We did our first cruise on Oasis of the Seas at the end of October. We purchased the drink package and I'm certain we came out money ahead although I did not bother to look at our itemized drinks. Thing is, we are on vacation and it was absolutely great to get whatever we wanted, alcoholic or not, whenever we wanted.....kind of what the vacation is all about!
You must have been on the cruise just before us. We sailed on Nov 1. I agree! I love not having to worry about anything.
If you call Royal, it is possible for one person to buy alcohol package, and if the other person doesn't drink, buy the refreshment package.
If you figure out you can get your money's worth out of the refreshment package, subtract that from the prices of the deluxe package price. We got it at a price we only need to have 1.5 alcoholic drinks a day for break even.
If you agree to wear a wristband identifying you don’t have the package. You also have to push a little.
Does it have to be the refreshment package? Or can the other non drinker buy the soda package?
@andyl9920 I'm pretty sure it's the refreshment pckage which includes soda and so much more.
The nominal price difference is why we went with the deluxe too. We got our Deluxe packages on a BOGO special. We knew we would definitely do the refreshment package either way, but with the special the price difference was only $30/day which is the cost of about 2 specialty alcoholic drinks a day so we thought it was worth it.
Many people talk about how many drinks are needed to get your money's worth, but I think this misses a key feature of the drink package decision.
Sure, I would spend less without the package ---- but only because I would deprive myself. I would constantly stress over whether or not I wanted to spend the money --- each and every time I might possibly want a drink.
By the end of the trip I would've spent less, but I also would've enjoyed myself less - with countless drinks not bought, and a handful reluctantly bought.
I do enjoy drinking, and so I opt to spend the money up front - and know that I'm now free to drink whatever I want, whenever I want.
For me it's not so much about breakeven points or getting my money's worth. It's about paying for the vacation I want to have.
Is there a price limit? Like the drink package only works for drinks under $13
I believe the limit is $14 but there’s not many drinks that cost over that
@@jenn.maynardare top shelf liquor under $14?
If you drink 8+ drinks per day,(and it could be more once you get into it, I know for a fact) you will break even or come out on the plus side. Example, you pay $700pp for the package. Once the cruise is over and you keep track of how many drinks and the prices, you could easily rack up $900-$1000.
If i buy the package im trying to take advantage of it, that means 1) getting top shelf shots of liquor instead of watered down sugar drinks everytime, does anyoneknow if you can pour your shots into flasks? Like if i have the be the guy there funnelling shot after shot into a flask for use later i will, just curious if someone else has tried it. lol
Thank you.
Can you get a double
Whoa, I had no idea how much alcoholic drink packages cost that much
Right?! I was shocked as well.
As an aside - In the Bahamas Cay is pronounced Key.
Thank you for pointing that out. I always forget the way it’s pronounced
Just like the main ferry terminal between the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, which is called Circular Quay.
Coco Cay is trademarked to be pronounced Cay like Kay, not key, so she was correct.
Do u know if beer pitchers are included in the Deluxe package?
Possibly!
Question, is there accessible tap water available through out the ship where you can bypass purchasing a drink package? I am not a big drinker and I rarely drink soda, I feel it would be a waste to purchase a package just for water. 🤪
There definitely is! I don’t recall seeing water fountains but there was filtered water available in the buffet. We always got a cup of water in the main dining room as well. I’m sure the bars can give you a glass of water if you asked. There’s a bottled water package that royal Caribbean offers too. Lots of options to make sure you stay hydrated 😊
Not worth it. I go with virgin cruises. Don’t drink alcohol and there was plenty of of free drinks to have. Didn’t spend a dime on anything. But I’m not sure who the prices compare with the different cruises.
These drink packages are a complete joke. I was looking at "Cheers" on Carnival, it's $2,158 plus an 18% gratuity for a couple on an 18 day cruise. This was also at an alleged 10% discount. Lol.
Worth it for me, gotta pace yourself and drink bottle water.